The sound of hypocrisy

Lately I have heard a lot of buzz about Carrie Underwood's performance on the Sound of Music Live.

Lately I have heard a lot of buzz about Carrie Underwood's performance on the Sound of Music Live.

Word on the street is that she wasn't very good.

No one can replace Julie Andrews and I couldn't bring myself to watch something other than the original version that was branded on my heart long ago. I love the music. I love the story. I love the movie version of the musical. I hate change, and now, I'm not sure how I feel about Carrie Underwood. And it has nothing to do with the fact that she is no Julie Andrews.

"Ya know, Carrie Underwood is a financial supporter of the Humane Society of the United States," Hubby commented when I was debating whether or not to watch the live version.

I don't know Carrie Underwood personally, but she seems like a sincere, down-to-earth, compassionate, southern gal. Carrie is a girl who was born and raised on an Oklahoma cattle ranch. Does she fully understand what being a financial supporter of the Humane Society of the United States means?

It sounds like a good organization to support, right?

Unfortunately, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not what you think.

Sure, on television HSUS shows pictures of rescued pets–dogs and cats–while Sarah McLaughlin sings a hauntingly beautiful song about being rescued in the arms of an angel.

HSUS uses this misleading advertising to prey on the common misconception that HSUS is a pet-shelter umbrella in order to raise millions from the public, leaving many with the false impression that HSUS is affiliated with local humane societies.

The Humane Society of the United States is actually the largest animal advocacy organization in the world with more than 11 million American members and supporters.

According to humanewatch.org very little money given to the Humane Society of the United States ever reaches a pet shelter. HSUS is a political organization that spends less than .8% of its $100 million budget on animal shelters.

According to HSUS's website the organization "works to reduce suffering and to create meaningful social change for animals by advocating for sensible public policies, investigating cruelty and working to enforce existing laws, educating the public about animal issues, joining with corporations on behalf of animal-friendly policies, and conducting hands-on programs that make ours a more humane world."

In laymen's terms the HSUS spends millions on lobbying for initiatives that target family farmers. The organization is focused on winning "rights" for animals—not helping the pets depicted in its TV ads.

I grew up as a farm girl and went on to marry a farmer. All of my life I've owned pets. I love farmers. I love my pets. I love Julie Andrews and the Sound of Music. But I do not like the cause that Carrie Underwood chooses to lend her name and likeness to.

This same girl who grew up on a cattle ranch is a PETA celebrity, vegan and has sponsored advertisements for "Got Milk." I think it's fair to say that money speaks louder that Carrie's inconsistencies.

The point is, when celebrities endorse a cause, they bring awareness to that cause and can inspire people to get involved.

Now, I'm no Carrie Underwood, but if there is one thing I hope I've inspired people to do is research organizations before you take a stand or donate your hard-earned money.

If you really want to help local pets, donate locally. And support your local farmers. After all, they are the one's feeding the world.